Lot Ended
Description
Beautifully
patinated and highly useable Series I; bought by the vendor in 1968 and again in
1978; lovely original condition; driven to the sale
The Land Rover Series I represents a pivotal moment in British
motoring history. Built with rugged simplicity, it featured a 2.0-litre petrol
engine and selectable four-wheel drive, making it ideal for agricultural,
military, and expedition use. Its aluminium bodywork resisted corrosion, a
legacy of post-war material shortages.
Declared
manufactured in 1955, this beautifully patinated Series I 86in petrol shows only
two former keepers on the V5C.
The present owner
originally bought this vehicle in 1968 after it had been used on an estate in
Montgomeryshire. The vehicle was then altered by having the tailgate removed and
substituted with a door. A wide rear step was added so that it could be
used to carry passengers on mountain tours in the Highlands of Scotland and Jerry cans were also added - carried
on boxes fixed to the front bumper.
Successful
tours were operated for the whole of 1969 and then the vehicle was sold in early
1970. A professional photographer was taken over one of the usual routes of some
of the mountain tours – the Corrieyairack Pass in the Monaliath mountains in
Inverness-shire from Laggan to Fort Augustus. The photographs were to be used in
an edition of “Drive” magazine for the AA.
The
vehicle was later seen at a horse show in Worcestershire in the summer of 1978
and was purchased again by the present owner. It has remained in his possession
ever since. It was used regularly in the North of Scotland between 1980 and 2000
with only one alteration – the jerry cans had been removed from the front. The
rear door remains.
Many repairs and renewals were
carried out during the vehicle’s time, both in Scotland and England, during
which chassis parts were replaced, and major engine repairs and replacements.
Ultimately a major rebuild was undertaken between 2008 and 2011, the
work done by a Land Rover enthusiast.
After
restoration the vehicle was lovingly used for long runs on holidays in both
Ireland and Scotland without any serious mishaps – overheating and punctures
always occurring of course!!!
A short time ago,
the Land Rover was used by a television company which was making a series of
films based on the children’s classic poem “The Sound Collector” which was
narrated for Channel 5 by Keira Knightly. The vendor reports it was a thoroughly
enjoyable time and there were many shots of EEP on the TV.
The paperwork includes an MOT certificate valid till October 2026 and
the current V5C showing the vehicle as historic.
Driven to the sale, it has been starting promptly and driving while
on site.
Contact: david.tassell@brightwells.com